How and when the Hear, See and Speak no evil
symbol was introduced to the African continent is not known. Maybe it has
developed on its own, separate from the Far East and has been part of the
culture in some areas there. On the other hand it seems not very likely that
such a “complicated” symbol could develop in two different places.

In any case, the gesture of covering ears, eyes and mouth is easily
understood all over the world, which certainly has contributed to its
popularity.

Wooden masks with the three monkeys are made in several African countries.
They come in different sizes, up to 5 feet tall. It seems that most of these
3-monkeys masks that are available in USA and Europe were recently made.